Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle: Fernandinho makes competitive debut

Fernandinho made his competitive debut as Manchester City eased to a 4-0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday.

The 28-year-old completed a long-awaited £34 million move to the Etihad Stadium during the close season and impressed during the club’s pre-season programme.

And Fernandinho confirmed on Twitter earlier on Monday that he was set to make his Premier League debut at home to the North East outfit.

He was named in Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI and helped City take the lead after just six minutes as David Silva headed home after Edin Dzeko’s cross was deflected into his path.

City then had a huge shout for a penalty when Dzeko's perfectly weighted pass was collected by Yaya Toure in the box and he appeared to be tripped by Mathieu Debuchy.

The visitors grabbed a deserved second through Sergio Aguero in the 22nd minute when he fired across Tim Krul into the far corner, after Dzeko showed great vision to play a back-heel straight into the Argentine’s path.

Aguero then had a legitimate claim for a penalty when Taylor appeared to handle his strike in the box, but referee Andre Marriner was unmoved.

It did not matter though as City picked up where they left off in the second half as Toure curled a free-kick into the top corner and substitute Samir Nasri made it four when he pounced on a loose ball in the 75th minute.

Fernandinho could have added to his side’s margin of victory but will be happy regardless, having made an impressive performance in the heart of the City midfield.